3 Good Reads for Memorial Day

If you are looking for something good to read for the Memorial weekend holiday, I would like to suggest three books with themes that are quite appropriate for this day of remembrance.

Snow Falling on Cedars  by David Guterson is a novel of mystery and crime set in the years following WWII.  When Kabuo Miyamoto is accused of the murder of a fellow fisherman, the question arises--can a Japanese-American receive a fair trial from the war-bruised community in which he lives?    Guterson's graphic portrayals of the horrific war scenes and conditions in the Japanese internment camps bring this turbulent time in history to life.   He takes the reader into the minds of the characters as each plays his part in the uncovering of the surprising twist that is the end of this book.

Also by David Guterson is East of the Mountains, the story of a man's struggle with terminal cancer.   He goes into the wilderness, with plans to end his life to avoid his inevitable suffering. On the way, unexpected turns of events and meetings with an assortment of colorful characters help him to relive in his memory the various roles in his life--son, husband, soldier, doctor.  Guterson's vivid details of WWII are remarkable, especially considering that he could not have experienced these events first-hand. 

Finally, a classic work from an author who did have first-hand experience of WWII is Slaughterhouse Five  by Kurt Vonnegut.  This is the story of Billy Pilgrim, a lanky, backward youth who is sent to Europe to fulfill the inappropriate role of soldier.   Vonnegut's amazing ability to combine humor and tragedy in bringing to light his anti-war message is brilliance.

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  Along with the barbeques and celebrations, please remember those who have given their lives in the service of this country and those who are presently in harm's way.